Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware



April 1945. w. J. MILLER ETAL 2,374,556

APPARATUS FOR APPENDAGING PREFABRICATED POTTERYWARE Original Filed May 7, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. 7 WILLIAM 'J. MILLER ASHLEY u. REEK April 24, 1945. w. J. MILLER ET AL 2,374,556

APPARATUS FOR APPENDAGING PREFABRICATED POTTERYWARE Original Filed May 7, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. WILLIAM J. MILLER 'YASHLEY \J. REEK Patented Apr. 24,1945

APPARATUS FOR APPENDAGING PRE- FABRICATED POTTERY WARE William J. Miller, Swissvale, and Ashley J. Iteek,

Garrick, Pa., assignors to Miller Pottery Engi-, neering Company, S wissvale, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Original application May 7, 1941, Serial No. 392,276. Divided and this application March 9, 1943, Serial No. 478,518

2412, the form here shown being a handle such 23 Claims.

This is a division of our co-pending application Serial No. 392,276, filed May '7, 1941, and the invention hereof relates to apparatus for fabricating potteryware and has to do particularly with the means for molding and attaching appendages to prefabricated potteryware.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred form of apparatus for molding and attaching appendages to prefabricated potteryware as it would appear when associated with a chain conveyor.

Fig. 2 is a top plan View of the molding and attaching apparatus of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken on line 33 of Fig. 2, with ware in the appendaging position.

Fig. 4 is an end-view of the apparatus of Fig. 3

as viewed from the left.

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of the carriage of Fig. 32, viewed in the direction of arrows 5-5 of Fig.

Fig. 6 is a vertical section through the center of the mold carrier illustrating how ware may be tilted into leakproof sealed engagement with the mold.

The drawings illustrate how handles are formed and united to prefabricated cups. The invention is not limited, however, to handling cups, since it may be used to appendage other forms of pottery articles with appendages, protuberances, lugs and the like of various shapes, sizes, composition and description which may be located at various points onthe article.

The apparatus shown in Fig. 1 consists generally of a movable single strand endless chain l which is centered and supported on the twin rails of a track 5 by means of underneath transverse supports 6 having flanged-wheels l resting on the track.

With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, each casting unit comprises a horizontal base plate I9 having a vertical end post 2|], Fig. 3, having a flat. plate 2 bolted to a horizontal plate 2| fastened to the chain I. A hinge pin 22 is socketed in plate IS on which rigid frames or backing members 23 of a partible mold assembly are pivotally mounted. Each frame 23 has one-half of a mold 24 (preferably made of absorbent material such as plasterof Paris) cemented or removably secured as by screws thereto.

Since the mold'is divided, each part is formed with one-half 3 of the molding cavity and an inlet passage portion 4 leading thereto and an outlet portion. Thus, when th'e'mold is closed, a molding chamber is formed which may be of any desired contour, having an outlet through the wall as that commonly found on pottery cups. .The end wall or ware engaging surface 24b is shaped to fit the circumferential and vertical curvature of the ware.

It will be observed that there are no dowels in the mating faces of the mold sections 24. The mold sections arelocated by the members 23 which rotate about the hinge pin as a fixed axis.

Dowels and their holes adds expense to the manufacture of the molds and are hard to keep clean. Any dirt in a dowel hole will spring the mold and cause' it to leak.

A guided, freely sliding, carriage composed of upper and lower plates 2'! and 28, Fig. 3 straddles the base plate I9 and is secured together by bolt 29 which extends through an elongated opening 30 in plate I9 to thereby enable limited horizontal shifting,

A stud 35 threaded into plates 21 and #28 passes through an oversize aperture 30a in plate I9 to permit limited relative movement of the carriage and plate IS. A coil spring 36 bearing against stud 35 holds the carriage retracted.

Adjustably secured to the carriage by bolt 3| is L shaped thrust member sometimes herein called thruster 32, having a replaceable plaster facin 33 preferably contoured to the shape of the cup cavity to which a resilient pad 34 is secured. The pad 34 faces the cavity opening in the mold and is spaced approximately the thickness of the cup wall or more from the opening in the mold, when the thrustor is in retracted position. The thrustor presses the wall of the cup firmly against the contoured ware receiving surface of the mold in leakproof, sealed relation therewith. A narrow slightly projecting rim around the cavity opening in the mold will improve sealing contact and on the mold side thereby lifting the'other side oil the carriage and pivoting the cup on' the warereceiving surface of the mold as illustrated by dotted lines in Fig. 6. This may be done by tilting the ware-receiving surface of the mold back slightly from its normal position or if the ware has pronounced vertical curvature, the thruster will cause the ware to tilt automatically into nested relation with the ware-receiving surface of the mold.

T prevent the application of smaller diameter ware than the unit is suited for, the thrust member 32 may have a gauge means in-tlre form of 7 vertical guide member-30b adjustably mountedthereon. I

Said pad 34 is preferably composed of a low density resilient material, such as, sponge rubber or it may be a resilient cavitated pad filled with fluid. The object is to provide a self-aligning surface that will fit the internal contour of the ware and will compensate for variations in wall thickness-thereof. Thus the ware does not have tobe gauged for wall thickness or curvature and can be placed on the appendaging machine in whatever condition it comes from the dryen as long as the shape is uniform.

The importance of a self-aligning thrustor is emphasized by the fact that the exterior of the cup is formed by a mold, therefore, it is always of uniform contour, but not necessarily diameter because the mold wears after a while. The exterior of the cup is formed by an edged profile blade which through wear, re-sharpening or resetting may change the wall thickness of the ware. Variations in wall thickness up to have been known to occur and the zones of occurrence are apt to vary. Cast cups also vary in wall thickness and therefore, the provisions of a yieldable backing up or support member is highly advantageous particularly in commercial production.

crescent shaped link 43 pivotally connected to a crank extension 42b near the center of lever .31. The opposite ends of the lever project beyond the marginal edges of plate I9.

When the lever 31, Fig. 2 i moved in a counterclockwise direction, links 38 and 39 pull the mold sections closed. After the sections are closed further movement of the lever 31 pulls the carriage assembly 21-28 to right against resistance of spring 33 thu forcing the ware W gently but firmly into leak-proof sealing relation with the mouth of the mold cavity. Further movement of lever 31 moves pin 42a over dead center thus locking the carriage assembly and mold sections in closed position, pin 35 acting as a stop on link 43. When the opposite end of the lever 31 is moved in a clockwise direction, the ware W is first unclamped and is free to float as the mold starts to open, thus avoiding cracking of appendage at juncture if there should be a slight lateral shifting of mold due to worn hinge or link pin bearings.

The conveyor l moves the casting unit to the left toward a stationary, adjustably positioned, track side trip 88 which engages and turns the the ware, then press the adjacent portion of ware wall against the contoured surfac of the mold in leak-proof sealed relation with the opening of the molding cavity. As the lever 31 approaches lever 31 to thereby cause the sections of the proper position. After the mold sections have closed, continued movement of the lever 31 advances the thrustor 32 to first finally position its limit of movement, link 43 travels over the center of lever 31 to thereby lock the mold halves together and the thrustor against the internal wall of the ware.

An adjustably positioned track side trip 31 is to engage lever 31 thereby unlocking the mold Y and unclamping the ware in obvious fashion. The handle by this time has hardened and united tothe ware. The operator removes the appendaged ware from the unit, flips of! the ma terial formed in the well 244 and then smooths the mold joint fin (if any) oil the appendage.

Shapechanges may be quickly accomplished either by pulling the mold sections 23 and 24 off the hinge pin 22 and replacing them with another set or by lifting out the plaster inserts.

The molds can be made up before hand to properjoint having double strength of joints employed on conventional ware. It is impossible in practice to obtain an air-tight seal between the adjacent faces of the mold and this provides sufficient vent for escape of all air from the mold cavity, without permitting entrance of slip.

The molding and appendaging unit thus described may be considered as including a wheeled support because the undercarriage and the mold platform are both attached to the same chain link. If the link was removed from the chain,

the entire unit would be detached. Of course,

the appendaging apparatus may not include a sealed relation with the outlet, a travelling carrier for the mold and the ware support and means travelling with the carrier operable to open and close the mold and relatively move the mold and support.

2. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a separable appendage mold having a molding cavity provided with an inlet and outlet, a relatively movable ware support co-operable with the mold to grip prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the outlet, a travelling carrier for the mold and the ware support and means travelling with the carrier operable to relatively move the mold and the ware support and lock the same in ware gripping relation.

3. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a separable appendage mold having a molding cavity provided with an inlet and outlet, a relatively movable ware support co-operable with the mold to grip prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the outlet, a travelling carrier for the mold and the ware support and means travel-- ling with the carrier operable to open and close the mold and lock the ware support and mold in ware gripping relation.

4. The combination with a chain conveyor of apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware including a separable appendage mold having a molding cavity provided with an inlet and outlet. a relatively movable ware support co-operable with the mold togrip prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the outlet, a carrier supporting themold and the ware support attached to said chain conveyor, and releasable locking mechanism mounted on the carrier for actuating the mold and the ware support.

5. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a separable appendage mold having a molding cavity provided with an inlet and outlet, a relatively movable ware support co-operable with the mold to grip prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the outlet, a travelling carrier for the mold and ware support and mechanism mounted on and travelling with the carrier operable to actuate the moldand ware support.

6. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a separable appendage mold having a molding cavity provided with an inlet and outlet, a relatively movable ware support co-operable with the mold to grip prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the outlet, a travelling carrier for the mold and the ware support and lever operated mechanism mounted on the carrier for actuating the mold and ware support.

7. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a separable appendage mold having a molding cavity provided with an inlet and outlet, a relatively movable ware support co-operable with the mold to grip prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the outlet, a travelling carrier for the mold and the ware support, means mounted on the carrier for actuating the mold and the ware support including an operating member to be engaged and moved whilst the carrier is in motion.

8. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a separable appendage mold having a molding cavity provided with an inlet and outlet, a relatively movable ware support co-operable with the mold to grip prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the outlet, a travelling carrier having relatively movable parts supporting the mold and the ware support and means travelling with the carrier operable to relatively move the parts thereof to effect the gripping of the ware between the mold and ware support.

9. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a separable appendage mold having a molding cavity provided with an inlet and outlet, a relatively movable ware support co-operable with the mold to grip prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the outlet, a carrier having interfitting relatively movable parts supporting the mold and the ware support and lever actuated mechanism mounted on the carrier for operating the mold and the ware support.

10. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a separable appendage. mold having 'a molding cavity provided with an inlet andoutlet, a relatively movable ware support co-operable with, the mold to 811p prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the outlet, a carrier having slidably associated interfitting relatively movable parts supporting the mold and the ware support and releasable locking mechanism mounted on the carrier for relatively mov' g said parts,

11. Apparatus for appe daging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a separable appendage mold having a molding cavity provided with an inlet and outlet, a relatively movable ware support co-operable with themold to grip prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the outlet, a carrier for the mold and the ware support, and mechanism for actuating said mold and ware support including a member projecting beyond the carrier on opposite sides thereof to be engaged and actuated from either end.

12. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination,-a separable appendage mold having a molding cavity provided with an inlet and outlet, a relatively movable ware support co-operable with the mold to grip prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the outlet, a carrier for the mold mold, and means for actuating said mold and relatively moving said support and member including a releasable locking device for drawing the member and mold sections togetherand locking them in such position upon movement of the locking device past a dead center position.

14. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a support, a pair of mold receivers fitted with replaceable mold sections movably mounted on said support, a ware supporting member having a resilient pad for engagement with the ware mounted on said support, said member and said mold being relatively movable to co-operate prefabricated ware with said mold, and lever operated means operable to move said mold receivers and said member to close the mold and then relatively move the member and support to engage the ware with the mold.

15. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a support, a pair of mold receivers fitted with plaster mold sections pivotally mounted on said. support, a ware supporting member carried by said support, said member and said support being relatively movable, and means for actuating said mold receivers and said member including a floating lever mounted on and movable with the ware supporting member attached to the mold sections by a pair of connected links.

16. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, an appendage mold and a fixed ware support mounted and arranged to move relative to one another to tilt the ware into sealed relation with the mold.

1'1. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated potteryware comprising, in combination, an appendage mold and a fixed'ware support mounted and arranged to move relative to one another to grip prefabricated ware therebetween in sealed relation with the mold, the angular position of the ware engaging surface of the support or the mold or both being such that the ware is tilted between the support and mold into proper nested relation with the ware receiving surface of the mold.

18. Apparatus for appendaging prefabricated pottery ware comprising, in combination, a wheeled carriage including a platform, a sectional appendage mold mounted on the platform, a ware support carried by the platform, said were support andisaid mold being relatively movable to co-operate prefabricated ware with the mold and operating mechanism for opening and closing the mold and relatively moving the ware support and mold disposed below the platform including a lever-projecting beyond thevplatform on both sides in position to be operated from either side of the platform.

19. In combination with a support, a hinge pin mounted thereon, a partible casting mold carried by the support and pivotally mounted on said hinge pin and mechanism for opening and closing said mold including .a link attached to each mold, a pivot pin connecting the opposite ends of said links together, a pivoted operating lever, and a link connected to the operating lever and the pivot pin adapted to ride over dead center when the operating lever has pulled the mold sections to closed position to thereby lock the mold in closed position,

20. The combination with a separable casting mold for making appendages and the like to be joined to prefabricated potteryware and a hinge 40 pin on which I e mold is mounted of a ware support in front of said mold aligned with and movable toward and away from the hinge pin having means for internally re-enforcing the S Ware incident to co-operation with the mold.

21. The combination with a separable castin mold for making appendages and the like to be joined to prefabricated potteryware and a hinge pin on which themold is mounted ofa ware sup- 10' port mounted'in front of the mold in alignment with the hinge pin having a surface engageable with the ware and providing an internal re-enforcement therefor when in co-operation with the mold, said mold and ware support being 15 relatively movable.

22. The combination with'a separable casting mold for making appendages and the like to be 1 joined to prefabricated. potteryware and a hinge pin on which the mold is mountedof a ware 20\ support provided with means for internally reienforcing the ware in front of the mold and 'rneans operable to spread the mold sections apart on the pin and relatively move the mold and ware support.

25 J23, The combination with a separable casting to the hinge pin on which the ware is received in inverted position, means for internally re-enforcing the ware incident to co-operation with the rriold carried by the support and a member spaced; from said means and carried by the sup.

3!; port, which in co-operation with said means prevents ware whose inside diameter is smaller than an allowable minimumfrom being placed on said support. i

WILLIAM J. MILLER.

ASHLEY J. REEK. 

